Scottish weavers are working hard to cope with demand for the new papal visit tartan.

John Allen rounds up the first day’s discussion at the Synod, analyses the Synod’s approach to Israel, notes that there is also an influx of Catholics into the region and says that religious freedom is emerging as a key theme.

Robert Moynihan says that no one knows whether there will be a consistory to name new cardinals next month.

Jeffrey Lord of the American Spectator argues that ObamaCare is responsible for the sale of three Catholic hospitals in Pennsylvania.